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Heart Foundation backs national sports plan to get more Aussies active

Heart Foundation backs national sports plan to get more Aussies active

News / 2018.08.01

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The Heart Foundation congratulates the government’s vision and commitment to making physical activity a reality for all Australians by announcing the Sport 2030 - National Sports Plan, launched on Wednesday by Federal Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie.

The National Sports Plan will encourage more Australians of all ages to participate in sport and physical activity throughout every stage of their life to improve physical and mental health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions, including heart disease.

Sport Australia, formerly Australian Sports Commission, will now include a broader focus on physical activity beyond organised sport to deliver Sport 2030 and encourage Australians of all ages to move more and sit less.

The Australian Government is committed to reducing inactivity amongst Australians by 15% by 2030.

National CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly AM, commended the government and Minister McKenzie on the major milestone to achieve a national approach to getting all Australians more active, more often.

“Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic disease, and especially for heart disease,” Professor Kelly said.

“Sport is immensely important – but so is physical activity outside of organised sport, especially for those living with chronic disease and those at risk of disease.

“We congratulate the Minister on this plan and look forward to continuing our work with the Australian Government, especially to promote walking, which is one of the best choices for Australians to get fit and reduce their risk of heart disease.”

The facts on inactivity:

More than half of Australian adults aged 18–64 years (52%) are not active enough

2 in 3 (70.8%) Australian children aged 5-11 years and 91.5% of young Australians aged 12-17 years are not meeting recommended exercise guidelines of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day

Being inactive increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes by 25-30%, and shortens lifespan by 2-5years.